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Tuesday, 01 November 2005 |
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The term spyware is used to describe any computer technology that gathers
information about a person or organization without their knowledge or consent. Spyware can be installed on a computer through several covert means,
including as part of a software virus or as the result of adding a new program.
Note that the terms spyware, stealware, and adware are sometimes used to
describe the same or similar types of malicious code. Several states, including
Utah, Iowa, California, and New York, are working on legislation to ban or
control spyware. In addition, the U.S. Congress is also considering new laws.
Spyware is used to gather information such as recorded keystrokes (passwords),
a list of Web sites visited by the user, or applications and operating systems
that are installed on the computer. Spyware can also collect names, credit
card numbers, and other personal information. It is usually placed on a computer
to gather information about a user that is later sold to advertisers and
other interested parties. The information gathered by spyware is often combined
with other databases to create profiles of individuals, families, work
groups, or even entire companies. Such profiles are mainly used for direct marketing
purposes.
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